By way of an announcement: German firm FR was recently rebranded as AB “Atelier Barkvieren.” This post will include a recent item produced by the newly minted firm. Not much is different between AB and FR comprising mostly Scandinavian models. Their current website reveals a noticeable reduction in locomotive offerings which might be temporary: wait and see. I hope for a fully recast range of items as before with prototypical rolling stock and locomotives of the highest quality plus high quality build kits.

On to the post titled “container shipping” which includes two recent offerings by the aforementioned company AB and Marklin. Why combine the two? Comparing similar car types by AB and Marklin reveals what is currently possible in Z. It might appear the AB model is more detail rich in some areas, but I would like to point out the differences without judging one as better than the other because each is as important to railroading in Z as the other.

The AB car painted and lettered for DB Schenker sits attached to a modified TAGAB Three-T class Os used to transport 40′ containers. Car type used in Sweden (Statens Jaravagar – SJ). Model features metal car frame and extensively printed container which is permanently attached to car body.

Marklin’s freight car set 82664 was recently released as a One Time Series for the MHI Program thus only available to MHI Dealers. Set includes 5 cars with containers painted and lettered for various firms. Twenty and forty foot containers detach from metal car bodies as they can be stacked too. End of car graphic details including essential prototype signage is not included. Warning stripes are painted on car frame ends. Containers feature precision posts which allow precise alignment stacked or installed on car frames. Era IV (1970-1990).

A modification I have seen over the years with this car type includes cutting off posts and gluing containers directly to car bodies: I don’t recommend this, it always turns out sloppy plus it is not necessary. And instantly the value of this set plummets.

Happy Railroading!